Training accolade proves just the job for Linley & Simpson

We struck gold in a national award scheme for the way we maximise the home-grown talents of our apprentices.

Linley & Simpson, was one of just 20 companies nationwide who received the top accolade for ensuring they benefit from the best training and career development opportunities.

The award was presented during National Apprenticeship Week. So far, Linley & Simpson has mentored nine apprentices, six of whom have progressed into permanent full-time jobs.

HR and Training Manager for Linley & Simpson, Paula Ingham, said: "It is the skills of our staff which set us apart from our competitors - and when our apprentices join us, we hope it is the pathway to a great career with us."

"We recognise the importance of investing in each and every one of them - they are our greatest asset - and tailor a raft of training programmes to help them fulfil their potential."

"We work closely with them to develop their skills and expand their knowledge, at the same time as increasing their opportunities for promotion and career progression throughout different parts of the group."

We were among just 20 "Gold Standard" training award-winners for 2018, in recognition of its outstanding commitment to on-the-job apprenticeship training.

The award was presented by Profound Services, which is at the forefront of work-based learning and employability programmes nationwide.

Among Linley & Simpson's learning and development initiatives are:

Active promotion of industry qualifications, which are fully funded by the company

Three-day induction programme for all new employees

Training frameworks specific to each role

Management succession planning and promotion from within. The majority of our branch managers started out working as negotiators or administrators

Mentoring schemes

Since the company launched 20 years ago, with just two offices in Leeds and a handful of staff, it has grown into a network covering Leeds city centre, Roundhay, Horsforth, Chapel Allerton, Harrogate, Ripon, Wetherby, York, Ilkley, Saltaire and Wakefield. In that time, it estimates it has helped around 100,000 people move home.